iPhones Can Read Tattoo Ink For Medical Info

An anonymous reader writes "Researchers at Northeastern University have modified an iPhone to take readings from a special fluorescing nanoparticle tattoo ink, which can then measure sodium and glucose levels in the blood."

Comments

Even without the iPhone, this is really cool

[Dynedain]

This is a really cool idea.

The iPhone part is a bit of a sensationalist gimmick, but it is a quick and dirty development environment for handheld image capture and processing. Just add the LED array for the specific light frequencies needed.

The real story I think is the specialized ink tattoos that can change based on the presence (or lack thereof) of certain chemicals in the bloodstream. While it sounds like a fairly permanent solution, it could be a real blessing for long-term patients that need frequent blood tests. Gives healthcare professionals, as well as the patient, an easy way to monitor conditions without having to draw blood.